Injuries hit UFC 142, Funch and Prater named as replacements

The UFC will be returning to Brazil shortly with UFC 142, but the card is already going through changes due to injuries suffered by fighters. We reported last week that former UFC heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga would be returning to fight on the card, but the UFC website has announced more changes for the event.

Funch(8-2) is a Brazilian who made his UFC debut back in 2009 as an undefeated fighter, but was cut from the promotion after back to back losses. He has fought once since then, winning a fight earlier this month via unanimous decision. Pyle (21-8-1) is coming off a one sided beatdown at the hands of young phenom Rory MacDonald back at UFC 133. Pyle had won three consecutive fights up to that point and will be looking to get back on the winning side of things.

Prater (29-10-1) will be making his UFC debut after nearly a decade in the game. The submission specialist has won his last four fights all via submission. Silva (13-1, 1NC) made his UFC debut at UFC 134 which took place in his native home of Brazil and he sent the crowd into a frenzy with a 40 second TKO victory over Luis Ramos.

UFC 142 will be headlined by a UFC featherweight title fight in which Jose Aldo will defend his belt against Chad Mendes.

About Kelvin Hunt

Kelvin is a father and former collegiate baseball player with a degree in physical education from UNC-Pembroke. He's an avid MMA fan that has been writing about the sport since 2008 through various outlets. His favorite fighter is Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira due to the heart he has displayed throughout his legendary MMA career. In his spare time (there is none with three kids), he likes to work out and also likes to follow college football recruiting. You can email him at kelvinhunt@hotmail.com and you can follow him on twitter at @KelvinHuntMMA